2015 EICMA: Yamaha MT-10 + Video

Yamaha revealed a new member of its MT family powered by the YZF-R1‘s Inline-Four engine. Known in Europe as the MT-10, we hope to see it come to the U.S. as either the FZ-10 or FZ1.

The MT-10 is a logical next step up in the MT family of naked motorcycles that also includes MT-125, MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09. The MT-10 offers the highest performance specifications of the lineup, boasting technology developed from the R1 but revised for more practical street use.

When Yamaha first released a video teasing the liter-sized MT, we expected it could be powered by the last generation R1 engine. We’re pleased to see that the MT-10’s engine is instead based on the current R1’s powerplant. The engine’s been tweaked for the MT-10 with new intake, exhaust and fueling systems as well as an optimized crank to deliver strong low- to mid-range torque.

The MT-10 offers three power modes: Standard, A and B. A Mode offers sportier low- to mid-range performance than Standard while B Mode offers a milder throttle response for use in heavy traffic or on slippery roads. The MT-10 also comes with a three-mode (plus “off”) traction control system.

Yamaha equipped the MT-10 with an assist and slipper clutch similar to the one used on the current R1. The clutch uses a slanting cam between the clutch boss and pressure plate to augment the force of the clutch springs. This allowed Yamaha engineers to use lower rate clutch springs for a lighter clutch feel. During deceleration, the pressure plate slips slightly, allowing the clutch to compensate for rear wheel back torque. Yamaha will also offer a quick shift as an optional add-on.

For covering longer distances, Yamaha equipped the MT-10 with cruise control. The system can be used in 4th, 5th and 6th gears while moving at speeds between 31 and 112 mph by activating a switch on the left handlebar. The Yamaha Chip Controlled throttle (YCC-T) keeps the MT-10 at the set speed, whether its moving uphill, downhill or on level ground. Pressing the switch again increases the set speed in increments of 2 kph (about 1.2 mph). Activating the brakes, clutch or throttle turns off cruise control, while a “Resume” switch turns it back on to the previous setting.

The aluminum Deltabox frame is based on the R1’s current chassis but revised for the MT-10 to be better suited for a daily commuter than a track-focused sportbike. A new steel subframe offers mounting points for luggage, adding to the MT-10’s more practical nature.

Yamaha opted to give the MT-10 a short 55.1-inch wheelbase, which Yamaha says is about 1.4 inches shorter than the wheelbase on its closest competing naked literbike. With the R1’s long aluminum truss swingarm, Yamaha says the MT-10 offers light and neutral handling and improved straight-line stability.

Up front, the MT-10 is suspended by a 43mm KYB upside-down fork offering 120mm of travel. The fork is developed from the R1’s suspension, but with different settings to make it more compliant in low-load situations while offering more improved front-wheel feedback while carrying higher loads. The swingarm is suspended by a KYB shock connected with a bottom-link Monocross system.

The front wheel is equipped with twin 320mm discs paired with four-piston radial-mount calipers with sintered pads. At the rear, the MT-10 sports a 220mm disc with a pin-slide caliper. ABS comes standard.

Visually, the MT-10 looks like a natural extension of the MT family’s design language. Twin LED headlights peek out from beneath a flyscreen giving it a bit of a robotic look. The turn signals and rear lighting also make use of LEDs.

The 2016 Yamaha MT-10 will be available in Europe in Tech Black, Race Blu or Night Fluo colors. The gray Night Fluo color scheme with yellow wheels will also be offered on other select MT models. Stay tuned for word on U.S. availability.